Fact Sheet

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Toys of Hopeis a 501 © (3) not-for-profit organization that collects and distributes brand new toys, clothing, household items and more to the children and families in need on Long Island . 100% of all donations are used to help needy children, their families and their pets.  Toys of Hope was founded in 1994 by Melissa Doktofsky, who believes that all children, regardless of financial status, race, religion or nationality, are deserving of those things which can help give them a happier and more fulfilling life. We believe in giving only brand new items to our families to ensure self esteem and a sense of pride. We believe that we can't truly help a child unless we help their family. With this in mind, we help children, their families and their pets. A very unique, yet simple, concept.
  • Toys of Hope is unique on Long Island in that it is run completely by volunteers. There is no paid staff.
  • 100% of all donations are used to help needy children, their families and their pets.
  • Office space and storage space is donated or rent is sponsored by organizations, private donors and local businesses.
  • Movie star, Justin Long, serves as our national spokesperson.
  • Toys of Hope has donated storage in Farmingville and a sponsored warehouse in Huntington.
  • The charity delivery van is sponsored by businesses and civic groups annually.
  • The warehouse program gives another opportunity for sponsorship.
  • Toys of Hope operates all year long, distributing toys, clothing, books and new school supplies.
  • Toys of Hope supplies new toys, warm winter clothing and needed items to 65,000 children, including those in hospitals, shelters and soup kitchens.
  • All of our programs program foster self-esteem, self-discipline, and self-worth in children and their families.
  • "Out for a Day” program provides a day of fun and recreation for children and their families. The cost of a day at a ballpark or movie theatre can be prohibitively expensive for a family that is struggling to pay their monthly bills. This program provides the whole family a memorable experience that they can treasure. The  arents and their children have a chance to enjoy being together without the stress of having to use money from their household expenses. Toys of Hope pays for admission tickets, snacks and souvenirs. Toys of Hope has treated families as small as three, and groups of up to fifty children and adults, to the "Out for a Day" program.
  • The children helped come from homeless or low-income families; many children from single-parent households and shelters who otherwise would not be able to afford to buy gifts and supplies for their children.
  • In addition, case workers, school nurses and other non profits refer families to us.
  • Since 1994, Toys of Hope has documented helping over a million people.
  • We help families based on need, focussing on the poorest of the poor especially homeless children.
  • Toys of Hope distributes a wish list and opportunities for local businesses to adopt families.
  • "Poor Paws" program was created when families stated that they eat less to keep their pet. The charity gives companion animals, pet food and supplies so families can keep their beloved pets.
  • Toys of Hope received "National" recognition for our work with Hurricane Katrina families and animals across the country, featured on NBC news in NY, news and newspaper coverage in New Orleans (WHNO-TV20) and in Philadelphia on (WYW-TV).
  • We host many parties throughout the year, and Oheka Castle is our premier event featuring celebrities and high profile sponsorship opportunities.
  • Our annual Toys of Hope Holiday Party at Oheka Castle serves 300 to 500 children from local daycare centers and preschools, who each have a chance to meet Santa Claus, The 911 Firemen, stars from the Nickelodeon or Disney channels, Broadway stars, professional athletes, and tv stars who all help each child go home from the party with a huge bag of toys.
  • Country singer Martina McBride selected our charity as the only charity for her concert in NY. Martina surprised the Toys of Hope children by allowing them to sing on stage at Nassau Coliseum at her concert. Martina also hosted an island wide toy drive promoted by Newsday.
  • We are flattered that some of the nation’s most famous celebrities have sought us out to donate their time.
  • Toys of Hope has been proudly honored with a special award from the Governor of New York.
  • The charity has received a special Legislative Resolution acknowledging our work to be forever written in the history logs of our capital in Albany
  • Toys of Hope was the recipient of the prestigious Martin Luther King “ Living the Dream” Award.
  • The Toys of Hope team is continually recognized for its outstanding work by state and local governments, boards of education and all year long is featured on local and national news media outlets.

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